Direct mail - probates, code violations, delinquent taxes

[Adrian Tilley]

Hi,

I'm (re)starting direct mail, and have some questions about what and when to mail.  The lists I'm starting with are probates, code violations, and possibly delinquent taxes.  What type of pieces would you use and how frequently would you mail to each group?  Any particular message that works well?

For code violations, would you mail to all types of violations, or would you filter out some types?  It seems that some like weeds would be more productive than others, like destruction of city property.

For delinquent taxes, does it matter how delinquent they are?  Do you filter by property type/price/other criteria?

I also have a couple leads but am having a hard time finding the owners of property.  Any advice on search methods for missing owners, especially deceased owners?  If there is no probate filed and heirs are unknown, how do you locate?

Thank you in advance for your advice!